Today: 28 May 2025
16 December 2021
1 min read

S.African govt welcomes removal of travel curbs by UK

South African Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu welcomed the UK’s decision to lift travel restrictions to the country in the wake of the outbreak of the Omicron Covid variant…reports Asian Lite News

“The announcement by the UK government is a step in the right direction for the South Africa’s tourism sector,” Xinhua news agency reported citing the Minister as saying.

“When South Africa was added to the red list last month, the implementation of the hotel quarantine, instead of home quarantine was a huge deterrent for the Brits who were considering travelling to South Africa at a time when tourism was just beginning to recover,” she added.

S.African govt welcomes removal of travel curbs by UK

The UK imposed travel restrictions when the Omicron Covid-19 variant was detected in South Africa late last month.

The UK government removed 11 countries including South Africa from the red list.

“The UK government has come just in time to allow families and friends to unite over the festive season. We hope to welcome British travellers very soon,” said Sisulu.

ALSO READ: S.African labs agree to reduce cost of PCR tests

“The Omicron variant is something we continue to take seriously and our scientists are monitoring its trajectory, to contain the virus and ensure the appropriate robust safety measures are in place,” she said.

“South African borders remain open and our government and tourism industry has been working extremely hard to implement safety regulations so that we are ready for all inbound visitors.”

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation also welcomed the removal of the restrictions.

Previous Story

Global Covid caseload tops 272 mn

Next Story

Cornered Taliban Seek World’s Mercy; Seek Aid

Latest from Africa News

Ramaphosa gains from US showdown

South African President’s conduct with Trump reminded South Africans of his diplomatic pedigree, and of his importance to the country’s rules-based order South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation went to

Armed gangs kill dozens in Nigeria

A local state governor said “scores” of people had been killed in the attacks, which also saw homes and properties destroyed. Northeast Nigeria has been gripped by a deadly wave of violence

Children die as USAID aid cuts snap a lifeline

Trump administration cut more than 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall assistance around the world. Programs serving children were hit hard Under the dappled light of a
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UAE calls for global cooperation to accelerate vax supply

International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation aims to link countries

Cambodia-Philippines joins to broaden cooperation in post-Covid era

Cambodia and the Philippines have pledged to broaden their cooperation